Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice - Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan is back! Elle Cosimano has just released the fourth book in this series - Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.  

This latest picks up exactly where number three left off - with our lead characters Finlay and Vero in the middle of another crazy situation. This time they're in a rundown hotel in Atlantic City. With Finlay's mother, her kids, her ex, her sister, four policemen, a mob boss, Vero's beau, a bookie, a teen computer wiz and...so much more. Whew! 

The two leads bounce off each other and complement each other with different outlooks, strengths and weaknesses. Their dialogue is short and snappy. And I really like Finlay's inner thoughts.

Is this a dark murder mystery series? Well, no, it's not dark, despite the trail of dead bodies that seem to follow the pair. Also woven into the novel is a romance for Finlay. Did I mention she's a romance author as well.

Yes, the plot is over the top and there's a wealth of characters, but that's the fun with a read like this. Just go with it and see where Cosimano takes you. Keep your eyes for Kevin Bacon!

Many loose threads are tied up in the final chapters ... except that one... I look forward to the next book!

It was easy for me to jump back into the ongoing plot as I've read the previous three entries. I do think that a new reader would enjoy the series more if they started with book number one.

Fans of Janet Evanovich would enjoy this series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.

Women of Good Fortune - Sophie Wan

Sophie Wan's debut novel - Women of Good Fortune - is newly released.

The cover and description of the book caught my eye  - but it was the characters that kept me turning pages.

Shanghai, China is the setting.  Rian, Lulu and Jane are the best of friends. They get together regularly to commiserate about their lives. Customs, societal expectations, family pressure, women's hopes versus what will happen and more. But what if...

Oh, I quite liked all three of the women. They're three very different personalities. Each of them is given a voice with their own chapters and we come to know them better. Wan has does a great job creating the women. 

Now...what about that 'what if'. I'm just going to put this out there - heist! I am a sucker for a good heist. I'll leave you to discover the details of this one.

As the book progresses, the outlooks of the three change. And its not quite what the women expected. Me either. But it's absolutely a perfect ending.

What a great debut novel! I would happily pick up Wan's next title!

Read an excerpt of Women of Good Fortune. 

A Man Downstairs - Nicole Lundrigan

If you enjoy suspense novels, you're going to want to pick up Nicole Lundrigan's latest - A Man Downstairs.

Molly Wynters returns home to her small town as her father isn't well. And her mother? She was murdered when Molly was very young. Being back in town raises all kinds of questions for not just Molly - but for all of those who remember...

Lundrigan tells The Man Downstairs in a now and then timeline. I've always enjoyed this style. With each new chapter, a clue, a memory, an action is revealed, making it very hard to put the book down for the night.

There's a large number of characters, most of them aware of the death of Molly's mother. But as an adult now, Molly questions the past and the part that she and others played in her demise. We, as readers, are privy to chapters from other players. Molly's father has lost his speech with his stroke, but he is given a voice with a 'past' chapter. I have to say that the chapters attributed to 'Him' were so very creepy! 

Lundrigan has woven her suspense tale with an exploration of marriage, trust, love, family and loss. This is most definitely a character driven book. 

I was so very sure that I had the right character for the final whodunit. And I was happily wrong! I really appreciate not seeing a twist or turning coming.  

An excellent suspense tale. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for Lundrigan's next book! Read an excerpt of A Man Downstairs. 

A Man Downstairs - Nicole Lundrigan

If you enjoy suspense novels, you're going to want to pick up Nicole Lundrigan's latest - A Man Downstairs.

Molly Wynters returns home to her small town as her father isn't well. And her mother? She was murdered when Molly was very young. Being back in town raises all kinds of questions for not just Molly - but for all of those who remember...

Lundrigan tells The Man Downstairs in a now and then timeline. I've always enjoyed this style. With each new chapter, a clue, a memory, an action is revealed, making it very hard to put the book down for the night.

There's a large number of characters, most of them aware of the death of Molly's mother. But as an adult now, Molly questions the past and the part that she and others played in her demise. We, as readers, are privy to chapters from other players. Molly's father has lost his speech with his stroke, but he is given a voice with a 'past' chapter. I have to say that the chapters attributed to 'Him' were so very creepy! 

Lundrigan has woven her suspense tale with an exploration of marriage, trust, love, family and loss. This is most definitely a character driven book. 

I was so very sure that I had the right character for the final whodunit. And I was happily wrong! I really appreciate not seeing a twist or turning coming.  

The audio of A Man Downstairs is presented by three narrators - Tyrone Savage, Amy Matysio and Wesley French. I really enjoy an audiobook presented by more than one person. Having three readers allows for very (and many) definite voices - it's easy to know who is talking. The voices used in this book matched the mental images I had created for the characters. The voice for 'Him' had my skin crawling! Everyone spoke clearly and at a good pace. The three readers bring Lundergan's work alive, catching the actions and emotions of the narrative.  Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt. 

 

An excellent suspense tale. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for Lundrigan's next book!

The New Couple in 5B - Lisa Unger

The New Couple in 5B is Lisa Unger's latest (and much awaited) book.

Rosie and Chad are fortunate enough to inherit a beautiful apartment in a historic building in New York City, complete with a doorman. The other owners are quite welcoming to the young couple. Almost a little too much really. And the doorman seems be there 24/7. And what about that... And we'll stop there. It's much better to discover the rest yourself. 

Unger brings the tension in and ramps it up, over and over again. I had my suspicions about what might happen. I was partially right, but there were twists and turns I couldn't predict. 

Just as twisty turny was Rosie and Chad's marriage. I wanted to shout out loud at Rosie! She seems to have blinders on when it comes to Chad. I must admit to getting frustrated with her. The inclusion of an 'entity' caught me off guard. I quite liked the two timelines that gives us a look at the history of residents of 5B.

This book kept me engrossed from first chapter to last. My only quibble was Rosie. She was just so willing to forgive and forget ever thing Chad does. I didn't see her as the strong woman she purported to be.   

I chose to listen to the audio of The New Couple in 5B. The narrator was Vivienne Leheny

She's such a wonderful reader. Her voice has so movement to it - up, down, and she easily captures the tones, emotion and so much more. Perfect for what's happening in the plot. The voices she employed all matched the mental images that I had created for the characters. Her voices for male players were believable. A great performance of a really good tale.

Listen for the Lie - Amy Tintera

Listen for the Lie is Amy Tintera's adult debut novel. 

I was drawn to the red cover, the sinuous tape and the blurbs from some of my favorite authors.

It's no secret that I absolutely adore epistolary storytelling. Much of Listen for the Lie book is told as chapters and interviews of a true crime podcast.

And now you're wondering what that crime might be, aren't you?

Five years ago Lucy fled her small town. Why? Pretty much all of the residents believe she had murdered her best friend. She was never prosecuted for the killing -  and she never went back home. Until now. 

Lucy is completely different than I had expected. I appreciated something different and unexpected to catch my attention. she's got a dark sense of humor and she freely jokes that she just might be the killer. Is she a killer? Innocent? Her inner voice is loud - and very dark. It's more than a little concerning. Her behaviour just seems to purposely rile up those who loved the victim.

There is a wealth of supporting characters who provide their thoughts, memories and actions to the host of the podcast. I have to say that my favorite character was Beverly -  Lucy's Grandmother. You'll see why. 

Now, I mentioned the epistolary style. It's absolutely the perfect way to hide the clues. Who is lying? Who changes their narrative? Will you put the pieces together before the last page? I'm happy to say that I didn't! And again, it's nice to not know the ending.

This was a fun read and I hope that Tintera tackles another adult book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Listen for the Lie.

Nowhere Like Home - Sara Shepard

Oh. My. Gosh. Talk about unreliable characters! Pretty much every character in Sara Shephard's new book, Nowhere Like Home, is lying. And I loved trying to figure out what was the truth.

Nowhere Like Home is told through three women's narratives - Lenna, Sarah and Rhiannon. There is a fourth woman, and her narrative is told a bit differently. Shepard did a great creating her characters. I was drawn to one in particular, and could understand the motives of another. But one is downright dangerous. As the book progressed, my opinion about what the final chapters would bring was challenged. I love not being to predict a plot. 

Friendship is the driving theme in this book. What makes a good friend? How much of your life would you reveal? Some? All? And what if that trust was broken.... 

As readers we are privy to some (but not all) of the lies being told. The not knowing the answer as to what the truth, was kept me engrossed from first page to last. There's lots of suspense and action as well. A few plot devices were a bit overboard for me - but just go with it. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Nowhere Like Home.

The Guest - B. A. Paris

I've enjoyed B.A. Paris's past titles and happily picked up her latest - The Guest - without reading the synopsis.

The opening prologue is the now, and the book then takes the reader back to the beginning.

When couple Laure and Pierre separate, Laure heads to the countryside home of their friends, Ivy and Gabriel. Ivy and Gabriel come home from a holiday of their own to find Laure ensconced in their bedroom. Wearing Ivy's clothes as well. A bit of a shock, but they want to help out their friends in any way they can.

I thought this was a great opening scenario. What next? And also a chance to meet the lead characters, especially Ivy. I was curious as to what would happen next.

What happens next is a slow burning tale. Ivy is a bit of a pushover. Laure takes advantage of her and Ivy makes excuses for her, over and over again. And as much Ivy and Gabriel are doing the right thing, I found it was really hard to like both of them. Gabriel is also dealing with an issue of his own. The supporting cast was newly arrived neighbours and a gardener. And as the book progressed I felt the same about them as well. Too friendly, too fast, too unbelievable.

Things pick up in the second half of the book as I waited to see if my suspicions were correct. Not quite on every thread, which is always appreciated. 

A good read, but not my favorite from Paris. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Guest.

The Last Word - Gerri Lewis

The Last Word by Gerri Lewis is newly released.

Now, you might be right if you surmised that The Last Word is a cosy mystery! That pup on the cover is Diva - and she has a role in things - beyond being cute. 

Obituary writer Winter Snow is our lead character. She has been asked to meet with Mrs. Arlington and have her obituary created in two days. And yes, Mrs. A is found dead and  last person have seen her is....yes, you guessed right again. Winter is now the prime suspect. It soon looks like the two officers investigating  have quite different methods and ideas. And so does Winter - she dives right in to clear her name - and find the person who's guilty.

There's a wealth of supporting characters that gives us more than one culprit to choose from. Some are innocent and some are duplicitous. Can you suss out the killer before the end of the book?

Lewis takes her time and rounds out the players with personal lives. She describes the settings very well. And...there's a dog. All good cosys have a dog. ;0) (okay - or a cat)

I chose to listen to The Last Word. The narrator was Alex Raby and she was a great choice.

Her pacing is great, she enunciates well and her voice is pleasant on the ears. She uses her voice to accentuate dialogue, emotions and actions of the book. Her voice has movement, holding the listener's attention. She provides different voices for the many questions. 

A lovely cosy, and a good presentation. 9 Hours, 41 Minutes

The Boy Who Cried Bear - Kelley Armstrong

Oh my gosh, I have been eagerly waiting for the second entry - The Boy Who Cried Bear - in Kelley Armstrong's Haven's Rock series. 

Now, you could read the book as a stand alone, but you'd be missing some great tales in the books before this title.

What is Haven's Rock? It's a well-hidden town surrounded by forest, way up north in the Yukon. It's a refuge for those who need to disappear. Which opens the door to so many plots!

All of the favourite characters are back - notably Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton. The core group of supporting players are also back. But, there are some new faces as well. And for the first time, a child has been granted a place in the town. 

Max is only ten. When he goes into the forest, he thinks he has seen a bear. But when he goes back to town and tells everyone that the bear had human eyes, he is told not to tell tales. Yeah, you can see where the plot is gong to go, right?

Here's the things that I love about this series. The plot is never a straight road, instead there are new ideas, events, deductions and more that change that road into a winding path to the final answers. I change my opinion on whodunit with each new revelation. I really enjoy how Casey and Dalton think things through, coming up with new avenues. They're adept in reading both people and the wilds. They're a couple in both work and at home. Their personal lives move forward with each book.

The idea of that town off the grid is somewhat tantalizing. What would it be like to walk away from it all? Armstrong gives us a look at her idea how it might look - and how  it would function. There has to be some structure. And there will always be someone who says differently.

There's answers to the goings on in this latest, but the door is open for what's going to happen next. I can't wait!

I really like Armstrong's writing. Her books make for addictive reading. So, my advice would be to clear a day on your calendar, hunker down and make a visit to Haven's Rock.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Boy Who Cried Bear. An easy five stars!

 

The Framed Women of Ardemore House - Brandy Schillace

I loved the cover of Brandy Schillace's new novel - The Framed Women of Ardemore House. 

There's lots of clues on that cover, as to what you'll find inside the book if you look closely. A gun, a skeleton key, flowers, women's profiles and a manor house. The title itself holds a pertinent addition to the plot. I went in thinking this book would be set in the past. Not quite - it's about the past, but firmly set in the here and now.

Jo Jones is the new owner of Ardemore House. She's an American who has never set foot in England, let alone inheriting a manor house. But she's excited at this turn in her life. But...there's a bump in her new life. (Well, really more than one. And a bit bigger than a bump).

Jo is such a great lead character. She is self described as a neurodivergent, hyperlexic and divorced. She's a quick thinker that can see the pieces she needs, but has trouble making sure that others see what she means at times. The other lead character is DCI MacAdams. His inner dialogue and thinking adds so much to the book. Did I mention he's divorced as well? I realize I've left out the reason for his inclusion in this tale. That would be the dead handyman found in Jo's cottage. And the worrisome news that she's a suspect...

Schillace is a clever, clever writer. The plot is multilayered and offers up many avenues for things to take, in the now and in the the then. The two leads are fabulous characters, as are the supporting cast. I would love to see MacAdams and Jones again. Surely there's another body somewhere in the small village...

See for yourself - read an excerpt of the Framed Women of Ardemore house. I'm excited to find that Schillace has three previous books. I'll be checking them out and watching for new titles. 

Original Sins - Erin Young

Original Sins is the newest book from Erin Young.

This second book in a series brings back Riley Fisher, now a FBI rookie. She needs to hit the ground running as she's been assigned to protect the new governor, who has received death threats. And a historical serial killer named The Sin Eater, seems to be back...

Riley is an engaging lead character. She's smart, intuitive and driven. But she's being stymied by a co worker. He doesn't want to work with Riley, leaving her out and taking off on his own tangents. Riley wonders if it's her personally - or is it all women? This is a theme throughout the book in Riley's beliefs, actions and in her work. I also enjoyed the personal life Young has written for Riley. 

This book is set in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm familiar with this area and it was fun to say "I've been there". But also a little worrisome about such a dark crime being committed in this area!

The book is busy with two crimes, a raft of suspects and supporting players. Young gives the listener many paths and a choice of culprits to consider before the final ah ha moments. Gentle readers - there are some triggers in the book.

I chose to listen to Original Sins. The reader was Kate Handford. She did a great job of presenting Young's work. Handford speaks clearly, is easy on the ears and sets the perfect pace. She has lots of movement in her voice and she easily expresses the emotions of the characters and the action of the plot. She has created a voice that suits the mental image I had for Riley. Voices for male characters are believable. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Original Sins.

Village in the Dark - Iris Yamashita

Village in the Dark is the second book in Iris Yamashita's Detective Cara Kennedy series. (Yes, this can be read as a stand alone.)

Yamashita takes us back up to Alaska and the fictional village of Point Mettier. The entire village lives in a high rise building. This setting is based on an actual village that does indeed live in one building. I enjoyed the descriptions of life inside and the many idiosyncrasies of the inhabitants.

Cara suffered a loss in the last book. She thought she had put that loss to bed, so to say, but the past is still knocking on the door.

Yamashita gives us some great opening chapters - from the point of three women. Cara, Ellie and Mia. Ellie is a feisty landlady at the building. And Mia is a young woman who was raised in the bush, but has decamped to the city of Anchorage. Three very different backgrounds, skills and ages give the reader a different take on what's going on. Each is engaging, but I think I enjoyed Ellie the most. The narrative changes every chapter - which had me staying up to read 'just one more chapter.'

The crime in the book is not new, but Yamashita has put her own twist on the final how why. There's lots of tension and action throughout the novel. I can see this book being made into a movie. Yamashita is an award winning screenwriter with four Oscar nominations.

There are a few plot devices that need to be taken with a pinch of salt - just go with it. Overall, a great addictive read. I would happily pick the next book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Village in the Dark.

Canadian Boyfriend - Jenny Holiday

The cover for Jenny Holiday's new book, Canadian Boyfriend, promised a fun rom-com read. And it does indeed deliver that, but there was much more to Canadian Boyfriend than I had expected. 

Aurora Evans met Canadian hockey player Mike Martin many years ago, when she was a sixteen year old student. She built that meeting into a fake, long distance boyfriend. I'll let you discover the 'why'. Imagine what happens when she runs into him again - thirteen years later!

 

Holiday gives the reader a wonderful yes, no, maybe so story line that had me hooked. I thought that the journey to the final pages would be smooth sailing. But, at a point, I realized that wasn't going to happen. Holiday tackles some bigger themes with Aurora and Mike. Love, life, grief friendships, dysfunction families, loss, mental health and many more. This added so much to the book. And all the above was thoughtfully written.

The narrative is seen and recounted through both Aurora and Mike's point of view. We as readers are privy to what each is thinking. (And yes, I did indeed talk out loud to offer my opinions and what needed to happen next!)

I quite liked the two lead characters. And the supporting crew was just as well drawn. The dialogue is quick and clever, but also thoughtful and honest.

I really enjoyed Canadian Boyfriend! See for  yourself - read an excerpt of Canadian Boyfriend.

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder - C. L. Miller

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is C.L. Miller's wonderful debut novel.

The cover immediately caught my eye. It promised a great read - and it delivered. I've become addicted to cozy murder tales lately. 

I liked that Miller introduced the book herself. I'm always curious about how a plot is devised. Miller has lots of background herself in the antique world and that adds a great deal to the book.

What is the plot you ask? From the publisher "...a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts." 

Ahh, an isolated manor in England? Perfect setting of course. A wealth of characters to choose from for the 'culprit'. Check. (And I admit, I had picked wrongly for final reveal! Freya is a lead character you'll quite like. Her personal life is tied to the past - will she take her life back? Her Aunt Carole is a great choice for the supporting role. Her acting skills and personality are fun. 

The premise is a good one, the setting is perfect for this tale, it's a wonderful debut and I would be quite happy to see Freya again! Or another book from Miller.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder.

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder - C. L. Miller

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder is C.L. Miller's wonderful debut novel.

The cover immediately caught my eye. It promised a great listen - and it delivered. I've become addicted to cosy murder tales lately. 

I liked that Miller introduced the book herself. I'm always curious about how a plot is devised. Miller has lots of background herself in the antique world and that adds a great deal to the book.

What is the plot you ask? From the publisher "...a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts." Ahh, an isolated manor in England? Perfect setting of course. A wealth of characters to choose from for the 'culprit'. Check. (And I admit, I had picked wrongly for final reveal! Freya is a lead character you'll quite like. Her personal life is tied to the past - will she take her life back? Her Aunt Carole is a great character for the supporting role. Her acting skills and personality are fun to see and hear. 

The premise is a good one, the setting is perfect for this tale, is a wonderful debut and I would be quite happy to see Freya again!

I chose to listen to The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder. The reader was Emilia Fox and she was a great choice. Her voice is rich and she has a lovely English accent. Her voice is so easy on the ears. The pacing was just right. She has lots of movement in her speaking, capturing the tension, action and emotions of the book. Fox interprets and presents Fox's work very well. I think this one worked better as an audio book for me. Also, there's a great interview at the end with C. L. Miller. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder.

Queens of London - Heather Webb

Queens of London is Heather Webb's new novel. I knew it was one I wanted to read when I discovered that Webb took inspiration from actual historical events. She's woven fact and fiction into Queens of London.

Who are the Queens you ask? "Diamond Annie" is the Queen of the all women's criminal gang, Forty Elephants. The opening prologue gives you a good idea of how tough these women are. And what they are capable of. The book is set in 1925, post WWI. Money is short and this is how the gang makes their ends meet - and a little bit more. Much more is what they want...

Hot on Annie's heels is Detective Lilian Wyles - a woman who has who has fought her way into the male dominated Scotland Yard. There are two other characters who play pivotal roles in Queens of London - a clerk in a department store and a young woman named Hari. I had my favorite, but each woman has their own story. Oh, there's a great little dog as well. Each of the four women is given a point of view with their own chapters. 

There's also lots of action in the book that will keep the reader reading 'just one more chapter'. 

Queens of London explores women's roles in this time frame. All four women - on both sides of the law - want nothing more than to just have a say in how they're treated and the expectations piled on them. Society and mores of the timeframe dictates an opposite model from what they want. As the book progresses, the reader can see the writing on the wall...

This was a first read of Webb for me and I have to say I really enjoyed this latest book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Queens of London.

Twenty-Seven Minutes - Ashley Tate

Twenty-Seven Minutes is Ashley Tate's debut novel.

From the prologue: "...if an ambulance had been called right away she would have survived...but the ambulance was called too late - twenty-seven minutes too late."

Between the cover picture and that bit from the prologue above I was expecting a suspense/mystery book. There are a number of questions and actions that need to be discovered and addressed. That somewhat filled the mystery expectation.

But, the delivery of the book is much slower than I had imagined it to be. The past and present is viewed and seen through the eyes of the four main characters. Everyone of them is hiding something. I had thought I would have empathy for at least one of them, but I didn't. 

The small town they all live in is gray, wounded and ugly. That goes for the supporting characters as well. Mean spirited, insular and stuck in the path they've chosen.

This book was a very slow burn for me. I found that that the plotting was far too slow and repetitive for me. Some of the issues from the opening pages have yet to be resolved by the last chapters. Unfortunately I'd lost interest by the time I turned the last page. 

Others quite liked this book so I encourage you to check out the reviews on Goodreads.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Twenty-seven Minutes.

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect - Benjamin Stevenson

You might be thinking that the title of Benjamin Stevenson's new novel - Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect - is somewhat familiar. And you'd be right. Stevenson's last book was Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, featuring Ernest Cunningham. He's the lead character from that first book. If you've not read that first book (And why not!?) I'm not going to spoil it for you. 

Ernest has penned a book about what went down. But he's still surprised to find that he's on a train with six other authors for the Australian Mystery Writers Society festival. And I'm sure you can guess what happens next...

I love how the book is presented. Ern speaks to the reader in the opening prologue,  setting things up, and giving out clues as to how the book will unfold - and why. Will you remember those clues as the plot unfolds? I love 'locked room' plots and this is an excellent one! Ernest checks up on the reader as the book progresses.

Stevenson is a clever, clever writer. I laughed out loud more than once as I read. And the final aha moment? Stevenson kept me guessing all the way. Didn't see that coming at all. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect.

The Cleaner - Brandi Wells

The Cleaner is Brandi Wells' debut novel. 

The Cleaner is the lead character - her real name is never used or mentioned. She works nights in an office building and is fond of the fourth floor. Or I should say, she is fond of those who work there. But, she's never met any of them. However, she's come to know them through their desks, what she finds in their drawers, what's left out on top, what they've left in the fridge, and what's on their computers. She's got names for everyone, but not their real ones. Instead it's Yarn Guy, Mr. Buff, Mr. Trying Too Hard and so many more.

"I clean the offices and bathrooms and lobby five nights a week, but my actual job is to take care of everyone. They need so much help." "I see it all the time. These are the people need me the most.

As the book continued I wondered what that help would look like. How does she know what they need? Why does she do this? Is she dangerous? Or lonely? The only other people she talks to are the night security guard and delivery person. They too are only named with a single letter - M and L.

Wells has created a character that had me changing my perception of her from chapter to chapters. It's hard to not feel for her. She needs to be needed and has found a way to get that, albeit without the recipients being aware of what goes on at night.

The book was a slow burn for me, with things being repeated their way to the final pages. I thought the plotline might be headed to a different ending than the one Wells has written. It is fitting though,

I think there's a good lesson woven into the book, alongside our protagonist's needs. Truly, just treat everyone as you want to be treated. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Cleaner. 

 

Clover Hendry's Day Off - Beth Morrey

I like the cover for Beth Morrey's new book - Clover Hendry's Day Off. The title  immediately brought Ferris Bueller's Day Off to mind. In the author's notes, Morrey alludes to the movie as well. 

Clover is a middle-aged mom, daughter, sister, wife, friend and beleaguered employee. What would happen if for one day, she just did what she wanted and said what she wanted? Over the course of a day, Clover does just that. I think everybody has felt this way at some point and time. And how does that work out for Clover you ask?  

Well, that's the fun in this book. Clover hasn't really thought about her actions, instead she just jumps in. Some of her behaviour is fun, but some is a little darker and hurtful. So, the book isn't all 'Ferris' fun. There are some family and past issues that finally see the light. Clover's job is also a large part of the day. She works as a television executive. Morrey has a similar background and these parts of the plot benefits from that insider knowledge. While I appreciated the details 'behind the scenes', I found my attention start to drift. 

Overall I enjoyed the book, but I do think it could have been shortened up a bit. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Clover Hendry's Day Off.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - Janice Hallett

I was thrilled to see that Janice Hallett had a new book coming out. I think her writing is so very, very clever. Her latest - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - is perhaps the best book yet.

The Alperton Angels were a cult 18 years ago. The members truly believed that they were indeed angels, sent forth to Earth to save the world from the Anti-Christ. They believed that one young woman's baby was the the Anti-Christ. And the young mum decides to take the babe and run. Where could they be now? Okay, that's just the tip of the story. There's so much more to explore!

Hallett reprises the epistolary style of writing that I adore. The book is told through emails, screenplays, podcasts, amateur sleuths groups, book excerpts, phone calls, texts, testimonies, police files and so much more! There's also a transcriber who adds her thoughts about things. 

Amanda Bailey is a true crime writer. She's a large personality, dogged in her search, determined to find the now eighteen year old baby. She's got some serious skills. But there's another author, named Oliver Menzies, on the hunt as well. His direction, point of view and skills are quite different than Amanda's. The two clash over who can write what, and hiding what they do find out. And the third detective? It's you, dear listener. There's a myriad of supporting characters in the book. Some are seen once and others play a larger part. But they're all integral to the plot. 

The plotting is absolutely brilliant in my opinion. The clues are sometimes right there to see, while other times they're longshots. Hallett throws in more than one twist and turn on the way to the final 'aha'! Hallett's writing is addictive and you'll find yourself up late, listening to just one more chapter.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I become so much more immersed in a tale when I listen. That was definitely the case with The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. The book employs not just one reader, but five - Annie Aldington, Nneka Okoye, Gareth Armstrong, Sid Sagar, Kristin Atherton. I adore full cast narrating - it makes for rich storytelling. The voice for Amanda matched the mental picture I'd made for her. Same for Oliver - the voice matched the character. There are many supporting characters and a different voice for each and every one. Each of the readers spoked clearly and were easy to understand. The emotions and actions of the plot were easily captured and well presents. Good pacing as well. A wonderful presentation of a fantastic book! 

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - Janice Hallett

I was thrilled when I heard that Janice Hallett had a new book coming out. I think her writing is so very, very clever. Her latest - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - is perhaps the best book yet.

The Alperton Angels were a cult 18 years ago. The members truly believed that they were indeed, angels, sent forth to Earth to save the world from the Anti-Christ. They believed that one young woman's baby was the the Anti-Christ. And the young mum? She decides to take the babe and run. Where could they be now?? Okay, that's just the tip of the story. There's so much more to explore!

Hallett reprises the epistolary style of writing that I adore. The book is told through emails, screenplays, podcasts, amateur sleuths groups, book excerpts, phone calls, texts, testimonies, police files and so much more! There's also a transcriber who adds her thoughts about things.

Amanda Bailey is a true crime writer. She's a large personality, dogged in her search, determined to find the now eighteen year old baby. She's got some serious skills. But there's another author, named Oliver Menzies, on the hunt as well. His direction, point of view and skills are quite different than Amanda's. The two clash over who can write what, and hiding what they do find out. And the third detective? It's you, dear listener. There's a myriad of supporting characters in the book. Some are seen once and others play a larger part. But they're all integral to the plot.

The plotting is absolutely brilliant in my opinion. The clues are sometimes right there to see, while other times they're longshots. Hallett throws in more than one twist and turn on the way to the final 'aha'! Hallett's writing is addictive and you'll find yourself up late, reading just one more chapter.

A brilliant book and an easy five stars! See for your self - read an excerpt of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.

The Night of the Storm - Nishita Parekh

The Night of the Storm is Nishita Parekh's debut novel. And if you're a fan of twists and turns, you'll find them here. 

The cover gives you a good idea of what you'll find inside. The storm in question is Hurricane Harvey and the house is where Jia, her son and other family members choose to hunker down - instead of evacuating. A perfect setting for a 'locked' room mystery. Because...yes, you guessed it...one of them turns up dead. So who is the killer?

Parekh's characters all have their own secrets and agendas. And each one of them is offered up as the culprit as the plot unfolds. This changes often and Parekh leads the reader down the garden path more than once. The only character I liked was Jai - and my thoughts on her changed more than once. Parekh takes inspiration from her own life, family, mores etc. and inserts it in her novel. "She (Parekh)  is a software programmer but a writer at heart, and loves writing about her experiences as a woman and an immigrant." 

I enjoyed the twists and turns up to a certain point - and then I felt they were becoming just too unbelievable. The epilogue cleans up all the questions and 'where are they now' info, along with another twist. And Jai makes a decision that I whole heartedly disagree with. 

The Night of the Storm was a good debut novel and I liked it, but didn't love it.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Night of the Storm. 

Where You End - Abbott Kahler

The cover of Abbott Kahler's debut novel, Where You End, is what initially caught my eye. For some reason, those bunnies don't look cuddly at all to me. I read the publisher's description and that sealed the deal. 

"When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions: Who am I? Where am I? What actually happened?"

 

Amnesia is always a great way to give a book an unreliable character. And adding a twin to the mix ensures it will take time to find answers. I wanted to know the answers too.

Kahler tells her tale in a now and then timeline, from the time the girls were young, and up to the date of Kat's awakening.

Their relationship is peculiar. They even have their own language. But, there's much more to these sisters. As their younger years are exposed I initially was intrigued. But as it continued, I became uncomfortable. Without providing spoilers, I could see what direction the past might be headed and what that might entail. It came close to actual events that took place in our near past.

The story started to become a bit repetitive and a bit muddy. I started to lose the desire to pick up the book. I did finish it, but it was just an okay read for me. This could be a case of the wrong reader for the right book. I encourage to check out the other reviews on Goodreads.   See for yourself - read an excerpt of Where You End.

The Silence in Her Eyes - Armando Lucas Correa

The Silence in Her Eyes is the latest book from Armando Lucas Correa.

Leah is our lead character. As a young child she was diagnosed as having akinetopsia, also known as motion blindness. Having not heard of this condition, I took a detour to the web. It is indeed a 'real' thing. Correa's depictions of what it would be like to live with static images and how those images are discarded when she blinks, were well done. As well, Leah's olfactory sense is extremely heightened. Correa has come up with a new twist on the unreliable narrator.

Leah lives a small life with her housekeeper in an apartment building. When a new tenant moves in next door, Leah can smell the anxiety of what's going on next door - and hear the ensuing fight between the occupants. Worried, Leah inserts herself into Alice's life. But is Alice telling the truth? Leah has no way of truly knowing. 

Listed as a suspense novel, I think I expected a faster paced tale. I did enjoy imagining what it would be like for Leah. I also enjoyed her relationships with her housekeeper and the older residents of the apartments. Her inner dialogue and dreams completes the building of Leah as a lead protagonist. However, I do feel like there is a lot of repetition in her experiences, thoughts as well as what is a dream and wasn't. I will say that the twist in the ending good, but did find it a bit contrived.

I chose to listen to The Silence in Her Eyes. The narrator was Suehyla El-Attar Young, a new to me reader. I quite liked her voice - she speaks clearly, at a good pace, enunciates well and is easy on the ears. Her narration has movement. The voice used for Leah fitted my mental image. Young interprets Correa's book well, using  different speeds and tones of her reading to accentuate the fear, confusion, danger etc. of Correa's plot. A very well done presentation. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt on The Silence in Her Eyes. 

Only If You're Lucky - Stacy Willingham

Only If You're Lucky is the third book from the talented Stacy Willingham.

Four women, all with very different personalities, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses, are rooming together in a house on the campus of their college. Well, some of them have weaknesses. But Lucy seems to have it all - a natural leader, people are drawn to her - male and female and her strong personality. But is she really the person she lets you see? The answer to that question is pursued by Margot....

Willingham takes readers along with Margot as a guide, an interpreter, a detective and more. It is her narrative we hear and see. The timeline flips back and forth from past to present - a story telling style I really enjoy. Things get more convoluted - and downright dangerous for more than one character.

 An excellent plot, strong characters and well described settings. Another five star read from Stacy Willingham! 

I chose to listen to Only If You're Lucky. I was quite happy to see that Karissa Vacker was the reader. She has performed the previous two books from Willingham and did a fabulous job. And she's done the same with this latest. She speaks clearly, enunciates well and is easy on the ears. I am so impressed at the voices she has come up with for the characters - male and female. They're absolutely believable and suit the character speaking. The voice for Lucy was so perfect. You can hear and feel that 'extra' Vacker puts into her readings. She has captured Willingham's plotting and does an excellent job of capturing the emotions, action and undertones of the book. Vacker is certainly on my list of favorite narrators. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Only If You're Lucky.

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge - Lizzie Pook

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook is most definitely going on my 'favourite reads' list for 2024.

The cover and title captured my interest right away, especially the 'Glorious Revenge" part. Who? Why? What happened? Maude's sister Constance is reported as dead by the British Admiralty, who claims her death was an accident.  I was hooked after reading the full synopsis. There's such an imaginative plot just waiting to be discovered by the reader. I truly wasn't able to put it down!   

What else? Well, the setting for sure. The book is set in Victorian London in the early1850's. Pook did a wonderful job building her setting, capturing society, architecture, mores, language, current events and more. The details woven throughout create strong mental images.

What about the characters? I loved Maude - her tenacity, her wily determination and her love for her family. We come to know Constance from her diary. And when you're looking for the antagonist? They won't be hard to find.

Does Maude get her revenge? Well, I'm not going to spoil things for you. Let's just say that there's lots of action. And a wonderful, unexpected twist. What a great read! An easy five stars.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge.

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge - Lizzie Pook

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook.

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook is most definitely going on my 'favourite listens' list for 2024.

The cover and title captured my interest right away, especially the 'Glorious Revenge" part. Who? Why? What happened? Maude's sister Constance is reported as dead by the British Admiralty, who claims her death was an accident. I was hooked after reading the full synopsis. There's such an imaginative plot just waiting to be discovered by the listener. I truly wasn't able to put it down.   

What else? Well, the setting for sure. The book is set in Victorian London in the early 1850's. Pook did a wonderful job building her setting, capturing society, architecture, mores, language, current events and more. The details woven throughout create strong mental images and immerse the listener.

What about the characters? I loved Maude - her tenacity, her wily determination and her love for her family. We come to know Constance from her diary. And when you're looking for the antagonist? They won't be hard to find.

Does Maude get her revenge? Well, I'm not going to spoil things for you. Lets just say that there's lots of action. And a twist that was great. What a fantastic listen! An easy five stars for the writing and the performance.

The reader was Genevieve Gaunt and she was the perfect choice. She has a voice that is low and smoky. Words are slightly drawn out - and that immerses the listener even deeper into the book. Her speaking is clear and easy to understand. Her accent seems very fitting for the era. She does a great job of  capturing the emotion and action of  Pook's work. Voices are provided for other characters that are just as fitting.  

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge.

The Search Party - Hannah Richell

Oh.my.gosh. Hannah Richell's new novel, The Search Party makes for absolutely riveting reading! I truly could not put it down.

Why? The premise for starters. A group of old friends and their children gather at a glamping site that one of the couples is starting. At first glance, all is well with the friends. But a closer look shows up the cracks in all of the relationships. Richell's characters are a mixed bunch. It was easy to pick favorites - and just as easy to identify the one I despised.

One person in the group goes missing. And so goes begins the search party. 

But what hooked me is how the story is told. Richell uses one of my favorite methods - then and now. In this case it's before the 'event' and afterwards, as the police try to figure out what happened. There are many points of view. But who can we trust? The book brings to mind a 'locked room' mystery. I had my suspicions, but I was happily wrong! I appreciate being able to name the whodunit.

Richell is so very clever at how she manipulates the reader's perceptions. The pronoun they is used - making it impossible to know if it's a male or female character. As readers, we have information that the police don't. Will they deduce the perpetrator before it's too late? I'll let you discover this one yourself. An easy five stars and absolutely recommended. 

Death Under a Little Sky - Stig Abell

Death Under a Little Sky is Stig Abell's excellent debut novel.

What first caught my eye was Lucy Foley's cover blurb - "Gloriously atmospheric." 

But what kept me turning pages was Abell's slow burning plot, his introduction to wonderfully interesting characters and that rich atmospheric setting.  

Jake Jackson was a Detective in London, but when he inherits a large isolated property, he decides to chuck it all in and move. When he hears of a historic crime in the area, he can't let it go, and starts to investigate. Abell's case slowly and surely unfolds.

Just as interesting are the changes Jackson makes to his life. A slower pace, finding and enjoying nature, eating clean, physical labor, exploring interests and more. And perhaps someone to love. I really enjoyed how the two were blended together. I sat and savored the descriptions of Jake's new life and his inner thoughts. The descriptions of the physical settings are worth savoring as well. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Death Under a Little Sky. And....I was thrilled to see that there is a second book featuring Jake coming out in April of 2024. Keep an eye out for Death in a Lonely Place - I will be!

The Expectant Detectives - Kat Ailes

The Expectant Detectives is Kat Ailes' debut novel. Now, three guesses - what might these amateur detectives night have in common? If you said 'they're all pregnant' - you're a winner. 

Alice and her partner Joe have moved to Penton, a small village in the Cotswolds. Of course! Penton is home to a varied (and quirky) bunch of residents. The population is down one when a local shopkeeper is found dead downstairs in his shop - while Alice is upstairs at the same shop attending her prenatal class. 

As they're all suspects now - (bar one) four of the women decide to band together to help the local constabulary find the culprit. The group is made up of a wonderful group very different women.

Alice is our lead character and honestly, her actions and dialogue had me laughing out loud. Ailes is a funny woman and writer. Now I have to mention the four footed character Helen - Alice's dog. Again, very funny. She steals the show in a few places.

And what about the crime? Ailes gives us lots of possibilities for the whodunit. And has us questioning just about everyone's innocence. It wasn't easy to suss out the final ah ha!

Fans of Finlay Donovan will love this new series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Expectant Detective.

Dead Tired is the follow up to The Expectant Detectives, coming out on June 4/24. It's most definitely on my 'want to read' list!

Holmes, Marple & Poe - James Patterson and Brian Sitts

The New Year brings us Holmes, Marple & Poe - a new book from James Patterson and Brian Sitts.  

So, I bet you're thinking it's a detective book? Yes, it is! The book features three private detectives, all sporting very familiar last names. But, no one knows them or where they've come from. I love how the authors have given our three protagonists both the skill sets - and the weaknesses - of each fictional sleuth.

The book is set in modern day New York City. Perfect, as there's loads of room for many cases. Patterson and Sitts have written quite a few crimes that keep our private eyes quite busy. Some cases are larger than others, but I enjoyed the solving of each and every one. They use new technologies along with the old - observations, deductions, conversations, memory and more.

Short chapters and fast dialogues are found in all of Patterson's books and this latest is no different. Added in is a burgeoning romance. And the fourth character and supporting player in the book is a NYC Detective. It's very easy to throw your support between Holmes, Marple and Poe. And just as easy to dislike the antagonists. 

Holmes, Marple and Poe was an easy entertaining read. I do hope there are plans for this book to be the first in a series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Holmes, Marple & Poe.

Murder by Candlelight - Faith Martin

I am finding that the older I get, the more I love cosy mysteries! And I've just discovered author Faith Martin - who is a master in the genre. Her brand new book is Murder By Candlelight.

All the bits are there. The book is set in 1924 in Maybury-in-the-Marsh, a small village in the Cotswolds. A place where everyone knows everyone's business. Or do they really know their neighbours? I love the dialogue and mores of this time frame - how a verbal barb is parried back, covered in politeness. The solving of the whodunit is found in piecing together bits of conversations, memories, observations, unplanned slips of the tongue, deduction and more, into a family answer. Its a nice change from current day DNA samples etc. Now while the police are are indeed investigating, there is a young pair of villagers who are also having a poke about. They were easy to like and you can't help but like them. I also have my fingers crossed that we will see more of Val and Arbie - they're delightful - and I feel like there's a romantic connection just waiting to be made.

Martin's plotting is wonderful! The crime seems to be of the locked room type, but there are other avenues that might also be in play - 'nuf said. Martin's case has lots of suspects to choose from. I have to admit - I didn't solve the case until the the list was down to one. Bravo to Faith Martin - this whodunit was not obvious.

I am really hoping that this is just the first book in a series. I would very happily pick up the next book! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Murder by Candlelight. 

Rabbit Hole - Kate Brody

Rabbit Hole is Kate Brody's debut novel.

What do you think of when you hear 'rabbit hole'? I always think of Alice in Wonderland. "Down the rabbit hole" is an English-language idiom or trope which refers to getting deep into something, or ending up somewhere strange." The title is quite apt for Brody's book.

Teddy's older sister Angie went missing ten years ago. When Teddy's father dies, it triggers something for Teddy. Maybe Angie's still alive, maybe she can find her. Perhaps the amateur sleuths on Reddit can help? These thoughts and actions start the journey to the rabbit hole for Teddy.

I was caught up in the idea that maybe Angie was alive. There are clues that lean towards that premise. But, there are just as many that point another way. Teddy is caught up the investigation either way and it consumes her. She's not herself - or is she? Brody plays with the reader, keeping us guessing. I wanted to shout at Teddy, asking her to open her eyes to see what she is doing to herself and her life. She's most definitely an unreliable protagonist. I'm not sure how I feel about her.

Now, the mystery of Angie drives the book forward. But the questions of family, loss, love, guilt dysfunction and more are explored through Teddy's family, old and new friends, co-workers and more.  

Rabbit Hole is an unsettling read and those last few pages are food for thought. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Rabbit Hole. 

Anna O - Matthew Blake

There are a slew of new books being released in the first few weeks of January 2024. The one I've hearing the most about, is Matthew Blake's debut novel, Anna O. The novel is already set for publication in thirty territories!

Ok, what is it about Anna O that has triggered such a response? Have you heard about crimes being committed by those who sleepwalk? This alone had me going down a (fascinating) rabbit hole. Is it truly possible that someone would have no inkling of what they've done whilst asleep? Even murder?

Lead character Anna can't tell us or her doctors as she never woke up from the night in question. The night two people died was four years ago. Years! Dr. Benedict Prince thinks he can awaken Anna O with his new protocol. 

But Benedict is not the only one interested in the case of Anna O. Armchair detectives will not let the case fade way. Anna O's family, friends, enemies and the law, all want her to wake up and provide answers. The other person the reader hears from? Yup, we are privy to Anna O's thoughts, memories, past and what led up to the 'right now'. There are also many supporting players, each with their own secrets tightly tucked away.

Blake does an incredible job of toying with the readers. What's true? What and who should we believe? I like to think that I'm pretty good at sussing out the perpetrator in a plot. This time I (happily) I didn't. There are a number of twists that were really well done. But, I truly did not see that last twist coming at all!! Kudos Mr. Blake! 

It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I can't imagine what Blake will write next - but I'll be waiting for his book.